Rhinosprodiosis: Analysis of cases presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital In Rural Kerala

Abstract

Background: Rhinosporidiosis was described first by Seeberi in 1900 and is caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. It involves nasal mucosa, and is seen in both humans and animals. It is a waterborne disease endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Objectives: To study the clinicopathological profile of Rhinosporidiosis in rural Kerala. Methodology: The study included 30 cases of Rhinosporidiosis over a period of 2 years. All were diagnosed on a clinical basis. All subjects were treated surgically by wide excision and electrocautery, and the specimens were sent for histopatholgical examination. Dapsone was given to all patients with recurrence. Subjects were followed up for complications, outcome and recurrence. Observation: The study was carried out over a period of 2 years with patients being between 7 and 70 years of age. There were 22 male patients and 8 female patients indicating a male preponderance. The main symptoms were nasal bleeding and nasal obstruction in about 75%.Nose was the commonest site involved. Conclusion: The study reflects the endemicity of this disease in rural Kerala. High incidence is noticed in those bathing in ponds accessed by cattle, and raising health awareness among public regarding this disease would go a long way in decreasing its incidence.